Wetlands are a vital feature of the natural environment, being some of the most biodiverse habitats on Earth, as well as protecting us from flooding and pollution. They provide habitat for wading birds such as the lapwing (or peewit), a once-common farmland bird that is on the Red List due to declining numbers.
A new, 2-hectare area of wetland was constructed in 2024 by the Sulham Estate, on a former arable field to the east of Pangbourne. This forms part of the Partnerships for Nature Project led by ourselves, North Wessex Downs National Landscape, funded by Mend the Gap and Defra’s Species Survival Fund. Early indications are that the wetland is already supporting growing populations of birds of interest.
Join us to learn from Dave Valler of BioCap about how the scheme was designed and implemented, and how it fits in with the Sulham Estate’s broader nature recovery efforts. We will be visiting a part of the Estate that is not normally accessible to the public due to the sensitive wildlife present. This is an unusual opportunity to visit a wetland in the early stages of establishment, and see how the planting has responded to this year’s unusually adverse weather conditions.
The walk is led by Henry Scutt, Sulham Estate.
For more practical information, please see below.
Walk Information
- Booking: Free – Booking essential – 20 places
- Distance & approximate duration: 2.5 miles (4.02km) – approx. 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate (more challenging, for keen/active walkers)
- Accessibility: Suitable for older children (12+). Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Not suitable for wheelchairs or prams/pushchairs.
- Dogs: No dogs
- Refreshments: Bring snacks and drinks as required, the nearest shop is one mile away in lower Purley
- Toilets: There are toilets on the route
- Meeting point: Goosecroft Recreation Ground, Purley on Thames, RG8 8DR.
What3Words: ///until.shut.gone
Grid Reference: SU 65564 76051
Google maps - Public transport: The number 16 bus serves Purley-on-Thames from central Reading. The nearest stop is 0.5 miles from the walk start point.
- Parking: Free public parking at the Goosecroft Recreation Ground.
For general booking information, health and safety advice, terms and conditions please see our useful information page.
Further information
Please note that it will not be possible to join the walk part-way through from Pangbourne; the wetland is only accessible from Purley-on-Thames.
Further information about the project can be found here
This event is in association with our partners and is part of our Partnerships for Nature project funded by DEFRA’s Species Survival Fund administered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund:
